Mount Kailash via Beijing

Question

Hello and Greetings! Can someone please explain the process of getting a visa to visit Kailash? I prefer going through Beijing instead of Nepal. Thanks for your help.

Answer

Visiting Mount Kailash in Tibet requires careful planning because it is located in a restricted area and foreign travelers cannot go independently. Since you prefer entering China via Beijing, here is a detailed overview of the process:

1. Chinese Visa: You first need a standard Chinese tourist visa (Type L) to enter China. This is obtained from your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and blank pages for the visa.

2. Tibet Travel Permit: To travel to Tibet, you must have a Tibet Travel Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Foreign tourists cannot apply directly; it must be arranged through a licensed travel agency in China.

3. Mount Kailash Permit: For Mount Kailash specifically, additional special permits are required because it is a highly restricted border area. The local Tibet authority issues this, usually facilitated by your tour operator. It may include:

Ali Region Permit
Restricted Area Permit for Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

4. Tour Requirement: Independent travel is not allowed. You must book a full organized tour including transport, guide, and permits through a licensed Chinese or Tibetan travel agency. This usually involves an overland tour from Lhasa to Mount Kailash, which can take several days.

5. Recommended Itinerary: Most travelers fly into Beijing, spend 1–2 days there if desired, and then take a domestic flight to Lhasa (or Xigaze for some routes). From Lhasa, the tour agency handles the overland journey to Mount Kailash, including stops at Lake Manasarovar and other sacred sites.

6. Booking Tips:

Book at least 2–3 months in advance, especially for peak season (May–October).
Ensure the agency provides English-speaking guides if needed.
Check if the tour includes accommodations, meals, and transportation, as the area is remote.

7. Health & Altitude: Mount Kailash area is high altitude (4,500–5,600m). Make sure to acclimatize in Lhasa first and consult a doctor for high-altitude precautions.

In summary, you will need a Chinese tourist visa, a Tibet Travel Permit, and the special Mount Kailash permits, all arranged through a licensed tour operator. Independent travel is not permitted, and entering via Beijing is straightforward but requires coordination for domestic flights to Tibet and organized tours.

Mount Kailash via Beijing

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